"Eclipse"

CHAPTER 44: RUSHFORD KINSTON POV

I was in a calm peace. I heard a cough and looked around to see my mother being taken care of by my father. I tried to crawl to them.

Maybe they heard me. They looked at me with excitement, and my mother picked me up.

I was smiling gleefully. I could live in this moment forever. When suddenly I felt a pull.

“NO!” I screamed.

I was pulled into a solitude room. I didn't wanna be there. My heart panicked. The throbs were so intense that it felt like my heart would be pulled out of my chest.

I wanted to breathe. I looked around to find a window. I escaped from it and ran as fast as I could.

Ran till I was away from everything that had ever haunted me.

And I found myself in a vast land. Where there was no one except me.

Suddenly, I felt water underneath my feet. I tried to run away again, but it felt like the water had gripped me.

This feeling was worse than that of the solitude room. I tried to escape but to no avail.

Though I never attempted to shout as if I didn't wanna be saved.

Water reached my shoulders faster than I could escape.

I surrendered.

Quitted the useless attempt to save myself. The water reached my nose. Now, finally, I could relieve myself from the pain of living every day.

I almost closed my eyes when I heard a shout from above.

“Rushford” a familiar voice called.

I looked up and found Nicole there.

“Till when are you gonna give a fight alone? Let me help you.” He said, lending me a hand.

“Don't save me. You will fall in, too.” I cried.

“Do you believe in me?” He asked, his eyes holding that same warmth and hope as always.

If I didn't jump now, I would drown. Might as well give it my all before everything is over.

I grabbed his hand as he pulled me up.

“See it's not that deep.” He said. “It never was.”

I woke up suddenly.

What was up with that?

I frank some water and placed the glass back on the nightstand, my hands trembling slightly.

The nightmare that had haunted me for years... was it really over?

I winced, feeling the familiar ache in my arm and back. The bandages were still fresh, a painful reminder of everything that had happened. Enzo had been by my side, helping me leave without raising any suspicion.

The rain had come and gone so quickly, almost as if it had a purpose—to wash away the fumes of the palace.

My mind brought itself back to the dream. I had always been curious to see the end of the dream.

Was this the end I desired ?
Was this the end I deserved ?

Did I really deserve to grab his hand to escape from problems I dragged myself into?

I have been becoming greedy as each day goes by. I never have wanted to think of what the future holds. I hated it and despised it. The thought of carrying the burden in my heart for another heart killed me.

Then why does it excite me to think of a time when he and I could exist happily together?

I bit my lips. I didn't want to give myself false hope. But what if. Just what if I would be able to get out of this once and for all?

I had sworn never to be so close to someone that I could hurt them. But now I can't wait to take one final leap of belief again.

Belief in him.

Belief in a world where we would live together happily.
Believe that maybe I can thrive for a euphoria Too.

This one final leap is all I have. If I fall I will drown to never rise again. But to be honest,

He is worth this risk.